Multiple homes ravaged by fire caused by bug repellent candle, SC officials say

A candle used to repel mosquitoes sparked a fire that spread through multiple South Carolina homes Saturday and left numerous people with nowhere to live, according to the Columbia Fire Department.

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At about 3:15 p.m., firefighters responded to reports of a burning Bradford Ridge Lane home, officials said on social media. That’s in the northeastern part of Richland County, near Two Notch Road and the Village at Sandhill shopping center.

Firefighters found a home that was fully involved with fire with the flames quickly spreading to the two neighboring homes, the fire department said in the social media post. One of those two homes was already half involved, according to the post.

The fire department said that more emergency responders were called to the scene, as plumes of smoke could be seen from Two Notch Road.

“Braving hot weather and deteriorating conditions, crews were able to bring the situation under control,” the post said.

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No one was injured, the fire department said.

Information about the extent of the damage to the homes was not available, but at least five people were displaced by the fire, according to the post.

Officials said they determined that the fire was caused by a candle that was being used to repel mosquitoes behind the home where the fire started.

The American Red Cross said it was helping families who were displaced from two homes damaged by the fire, and it’s providing them with “food, clothing and shelter, along with referrals to much needed resources.”

Mosquito candle safety tips

Mosquito candles pose a fire hazard:

• They are not intended for indoor use
• Place candles on non-flammable surfaces like a brick patio or concrete
• Citronella torches should not go near mulch, fencing or wooden decks

SOURCE: SWAT Mosquito Systems

Additional tips

• Extinguish candles completely when leaving the area
• Do not burn multiple candles in a small space to avoid excessive smoke
• Consider using mosquito-repellent plants or fans to enhance protection outdoors

SOURCE: Entomologist.net